2018/19 Reds squad continues to take shape

09/03/2018

Jersey Reds have confirmed three new players who will join the club this summer ahead of the 2018-19 season.

Aaron Penberthy has signed to return to the Reds after two seasons in London with Ealing Trailfinders. He is joined by fellow fly-half Brett Herron, who has signed from Ulster Rugby, and another Ealing player, prop Sam Rodman. The signings are announced as it's confirmed that three members of the Reds' current squad, Jake Armstrong, Jake Woolmore and Tom Pincus, have agreed moves to Bristol with effect from the end of this season.

Penberthy, 25, spent three seasons with the Reds after signing from Cornish Pirates in summer 2013, making around 50 appearances and scoring more than 300 points, most famously the drop goal that helped the Reds down Championship leaders Worcester Warriors in March 2015.

22-year-old Herron, who has played at centre and full-back as well as fly-half, will move to Jersey after two seasons with Ulster during which time he has played in the Pro12/14 league and European Rugby Champions Cup. Capped by England at age group levels from under-16 to under-19, he was part of the Academy section at Bath Rugby before making the move to Ireland in summer 2016.

Former England Students cap Rodman, 25, has spent three seasons with Ealing Trailfinders. The Cheshire-born prop formerly studied and played rugby at Leeds Beckett University, as well as gaining experience at National League level with Macclesfield.

Head Coach Harvey Biljon said the trio were among several new signings to be unveiled this month.

"I'm looking forward to working with Aaron again - he's an experienced Championship operator but I think has the potential to push on in his career and be a key part of our squad next season. There'll be some genuine competition for places, as Brett [Herron] is a very promising young player who has had limited opportunities at Ulster and will be seeking more game-time. Sam [Rodman] is also ready for a new challenge after his time with Ealing and we'll be aiming to develop him as a player as we have done with other players, notably in the front row, in recent seasons.

"The moves to finalise our squad for next season are progressing well, and we'll be looking to announce more new faces, as well as existing players who have signed new contracts, in the coming weeks."

Three Reds players have confirmed summer moves to Bristol, current leaders of the Greene King IPA Championship and favourites for promotion to the Aviva Premiership. Jake Woolmore, Jake Armstrong and Tom Pincus all played in the Reds' 34-38 win over Bristol at Ashton Gate on Sunday, but will be now be aiming for an opportunity at the top level with Pat Lam's side.

"Jake, Jake and Tom have been important members of our squad, but they now have the chance to take the next step in their careers," said Biljon. "We have shown in recent seasons how we have been able to develop players who subsequently move to the Premiership, and believe this shows the value of Championship rugby."

The Reds players have a weekend off before resuming training ahead of the league visit to London Scottish on Friday March 16th. This is followed by two home fixtures - the Championship clash with Rotherham Titans on Saturday March 24th, and the B&I quarter-final against Doncaster Knights on Good Friday, March 30th.